Reading Passage Question
Io and Europa, the inner two of Jupiter's four largest moons, are about the size of Earth's moon and are composed mostly or entirely of rock and metal. Ganymede and Callisto are larger and roughly half ice. Thus, these four moons are somewhat analogous to the planets of the solar system, in which the rock- and metal-rich inner planets are distinct from the much larger gas- and ice-rich outer planets. Jupiter's moons are, however, more "systematic": many of their properties vary continuously with distance from Jupiter. For example, Io is ice-free, Europa has a surface shell of ice, and while Ganymede and Callisto are both ice-rich, outermost Callisto has more.
This compositional gradient has geological parallels. Io is extremely geologically active, Europa seems to be active on a more modest scale, and Ganymede has undergone bouts of activity in its geological past. Only Callisto reveals no geological activity. In similar fashion, Callisto's surface is very heavily cratered from the impact of comets and asteroids; Ganymede, like Earth's moon, is heavily cratered in parts; Europa is very lightly cratered; and no craters have been detected on Io, even though Jupiter's gravity attracts comets and asteroids passing near it, substantially increasing the bombardment rate of the inner moons compared to that of the outer ones. But because of Io's high degree of geological activity, its surface undergoes more-or-less continuous volcanic resurfacing.
Solutions and Explanation
(A) Size
(B) Ice content
(C) The rate of bombardment by comets and asteroids
(D) The influence of Jupiter's other moons
(E) The level of geological activity
Correct Answer: E
Explanation: The passage states that Callisto only discloses no geological activity. The surface of Callisto is very heavily cratered due to the influence of comets and asteroids. Ganymede is also heavily cratered in parts whereas Europa seems to be very lightly cratered. However, no craters have been witnessed on Io, although Jupiter's gravity attracts the comets and asteroids that pass near it. Due to the high degree of geological activity in Io, its surface experiences continuous volcanic resurfacing. Hence, option E is the correct answer choice since it holds relevant information as described in the passage.
(A) To provide further evidence of the systematic variation in the characteristics of Jupiter's four largest moons
(B) To present a comprehensive theory to explain the systematic variation in the characteristics of Jupiter's four largest moons
(C) To explain the significance of the systematic variation in the characteristics of Jupiter's four largest moons
(D) To introduce facts that contradict conventional assumptions about Jupiter's four largest moons
(E) To contrast the characteristics of Jupiter's four largest moons with the characteristics of the planets of the solar system
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The second paragraph of the passage depicts the systematic variation in the nature of the four largest moons of Jupiter. The passage states that Io is excessively geologically active. Europa appears to be active on a more subtle scale. Ganymede has experienced outbreaks of activity in its geological past. Callisto discloses no geological activity. It also states the number of craters on the surfaces of the four largest moons of Jupiter. The passage illustrates that Callisto's surface seems to be very heavily cratered due to the influence of comets and asteroids. Ganymede is also heavily cratered in parts whereas Europa is very lightly cratered. However, no craters have been identified on Io. Thus, the purpose of the second paragraph is to depict the characteristics of the four largest moons of Jupiter. Therefore, option A is the correct answer choice since it justifies the facts described in the passage. Hence, all other options are irrelevant and thereby get eliminated.
(A) indicate why the absence of craters on Io's surface is surprising
(B) explain the presence of craters on the surface of Jupiter's four largest moons
(C) provide an explanation for the lack of geological activity on Callisto
(D) contrast Jupiter's characteristics with the characteristics of its four largest moons
(E) illustrate the similarity between Jupiter's four largest moons and the planets of the solar system
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The line 25 of the passage illustrates that no craters have been witnessed on Io, although Jupiter's gravity attracts the comets and asteroids that pass near it. The gravity of Jupiter substantially increases the bombardment rate of the inner moons in comparison to that of the outer ones. Therefore, line 25 of the passage illustrates the surprising reason behind the absence of craters on the surface of Io. Therefore option A is the correct answer choice since it holds relevant information as stated in the passage. Hence, all other options are irrelevant and thereby get eliminated.
“Io and Europa, the inner two of Jupiter's four largest moons”- is a GMAT reading comprehension passage of the GMAT exam. The candidates must have sufficient knowledge of the English language in order to grasp English GMAT reading comprehension. The candidates can follow GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Papers for more similar types of passages that will help them to improve their reading skills.
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